The Belgian tent at the annual Brass City Brew Fest in Waterbury has become so popular, this year a few other European countries will share their craft beers, too.

The event, which is Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. in Library Park, will feature Scottish and possibly German beers in the Belgian tent, said Carl W. Rosa, executive director of Main Street Waterbury, a nonprofit organization committed to the continued revitalization of downtown. Proceeds from the festival, which is hosted by Waterbury's Nutmeg Fine Wines & Spirits along with Naugatuck's Mountainview Plaza Wines & Liquors, benefits Main Street Waterbury.

Now in its eighth year, the event boasts about 170 beer vendors and representatives who offer 250 domestic and international beers to taste, Rosa said. Admission, which is limited to 2,000 people, is $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

"We don't want to grow the event people-wise," Rosa explained of the admission limit for the event, which has become one of the largest of its kind in New England. "Once you get to the point of trying to get as many people as possible into the park, you lose the relationship between the beer rep and the taster. And many of our Connecticut brewers will be there, too."

The brew fest will also feature bands and several food vendors. Rosa got a sneak taste of one offering — beer-batter cupcakes from Waterbury-based Hard Core Sweet.

"They were so sinful I felt like I had to go to confession after," he said.

Or for those looking to learn a little while they sip and much, check out the half-hour seminars.

Rosa said the event, which typically grosses about $80,000, nets roughly $50,000 for Main Street Waterbury each year. Past projects that have come about thanks to the fundraiser include planters and banners for South Main Street, he said. The event also benefits downtown businesses, he said.

"Some people stay in the hotel overnight and eat at the restaurants; from our estimates, the Brew Fest generates $75,000 to $100,000 for the local community," he said.

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